Important information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

From Tuesday 24 March, the Trust has taken the decision to suspend all visiting until further notice in order to protect our patients and staff.

Visiting is only be permitted in the following circumstances:

1 birthing partner only during labour

Parents only in the neonatal unit (no time restrictions)

Only 1 parent / carer per child at all appointments, in urgent and emergency care or when visiting children (no time restrictions)

We recognise there will be exceptional circumstances for patients who are receiving end-of-life care and families should talk to the ward manager.

Patients will be asked to attend hospital alone for any urgent treatment.

All visitors MUST wash their hands thoroughly as they enter and leave the wards or departments.

All visitors MUST wear PPE if asked to do so by our staff.

Thank you for your support and co-operation

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is well prepared to effectively manage the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and we are working closely with all partners to respond to this challenging and rapidly changing situation.

Our prime concern is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors.

Advice for the public

The NHS in the North East and Public Health England (PHE) are well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to protect patients, our community and NHS staff while ensuring as many services as possible are available to the public.

A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China in December 2019.
Generally, COVID-19 can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature, loss or change to sense of smell and taste and a new, continuous cough. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell.

Most people recover from the disease without needing special treatment.

Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.

The best way to protect yourself from infections like COVID-19 is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time. If soap or water isn’t available and your hands are visibly clean, then sanitiser gel can be used. But proper hand washing is the most effective method and this should be your first choice.

You should refer to the latest advice - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ and follow guidance regarding self-isolation and contacting NHS111 as appropriate. If you need to be tested for COVID-19 this will be arranged via NHS111. Please do not come into hospital / urgent care / pharmacies or GP surgeries if you suspect you may have COVID-19.